Why Do We Extract Teeth?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone.
Tooth extraction may be necessary for various reasons, including severe decay or infection, crowding of teeth, trauma that has caused severe damage to the tooth or if a tooth cannot emerge fully from the gum line.
Wisdom tooth removal may be recommended if there is not enough space for them to erupt properly. If there isn't, the wisdom teeth can rub up against the surrounding teeth, potentially damaging them. Tooth decay is also possible because improperly erupted wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly.
Schedule an appointment with our dentists if you are feeling pain in your mouth and looking for relief. We can assess your situation and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt in the back corners of a normal adult mouth, usually between 17 and 25 years of age.
This third set of teeth can damage surrounding teeth if they erupt on an angle, or if there isn't enough space in the mouth for them to erupt properly. In these cases, your dentist may recommend removing them.
The first step of the procedure will be your dentist assessing the positioning and condition of the teeth to determine if extraction is necessary. If so, the extraction process involves numbing the area, removing the teeth with forceps and then stitching up the gum.
Post-operative care includes keeping the area clean by gently rinsing it with salt water and avoiding hard or chewy foods.
Tooth Extractions
In most cases, your dentist will work to save a tooth whenever possible. However, there are circumstances, such as injury, gum disease or excessive decay, which require extraction.
During the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Next, they use specialized tools, such as forceps or elevators, to carefully remove it. Finally, they will give you some post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding drinking through a straw or eating hard foods for the first few days, to help ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort.
Your dentist may also discuss tooth replacement options with you, which may include dental bridges, dental crowns and dentures.